Soft cotton stitches give this little heart a rounded shape and a gently cushioned feel, while its small size keeps it light on a set of keys. This crochet heart keychain suits beginners who want to practice shaping, as well as gift makers looking for a handmade extra that takes little yarn. It also looks sweet hanging from a zipper, bag, or bedroom hook. In the tutorial, you’ll learn how single crochet stitches build the heart and how to finish the edges neatly before adding a key ring. The compact shape works up quickly, so you can make one in an evening or crochet a few in different colors for friends. The finished piece is small, useful, and satisfying to hold.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This cotton dishcloth has alternating rows of back-loop and regular single crochet, which make shallow ridges that feel good in the hand and help the cloth scrub without bulky texture. The pattern uses one yarn color and a straightforward repeat, so it is easy to pick up after a break.

A single cloth takes about two to three hours, depending on your pace, and uses less than one skein of worsted-weight cotton. It is a handy way to use leftover cotton yarn, though a full 50-yard amount gives you room to work without joining a new ball. Make a few as useful housewarming or host gifts.

The rows were easy to remember, and the ridges give the cloth a nice grip. I finished mine in an afternoon.

— Nina, home crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner. You need to chain and single crochet, and work into the back loop on alternate rows.
Approximate Time: 2–3 hours.
Construction: A flat rectangle worked back and forth in rows, with no separate border or seaming.
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: About 7.5 × 7.5 inches (19 × 19 cm) after washing and drying flat. Your finished size may vary with tension.

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: About 45–55 yards (41–50 m) of worsted-weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn in one color. Cotton absorbs water and tolerates frequent washing.
Hook: 4.5 mm / US 7 crochet hook. If your stitches are loose, try 4.0 mm / US G-6; check the fabric size as you work.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in the ends, scissors, and a ruler or tape measure. A stitch marker is optional for marking the first row.
Substitutions: Use another smooth, washable cotton yarn of similar thickness. A cotton-linen blend can feel firmer and drape less. Avoid fuzzy yarn, which makes it harder to see the stitches. A different yarn weight changes the cloth size and may change how much yarn you need.

Before starting, crochet a small swatch in the stitch pattern and measure it relaxed. The target gauge is 16 stitches and 18 rows in 4 inches (10 cm). Adjust the hook size to get close; a tighter gauge makes a smaller, denser cloth, while a looser gauge makes a larger, more open one.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain.
sc = single crochet: insert the hook in the indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
BLO = back loop only: work the stitch through the back loop of the stitch, leaving the front loop unworked. The exposed loops form the ridges.
st(s) = stitch(es).

The turning chain at the start of each row does not count as a stitch. Work the first single crochet into the first stitch of the previous row, not into the turning chain.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Dishcloth

Foundation: Ch 31. This chain gives you 30 stitches to work across. (31 ch)
Row 1: Sc in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. (30 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each stitch across. Turn. (30 sts)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in both loops of each stitch across. Turn. (30 sts)
Rows 4–31: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 fifteen times: on even-numbered rows, work sc in BLO across; on odd-numbered rows, work sc through both loops across. Ch 1 and turn after each row. Each row has (30 sts).
Row 32: Ch 1, sc in both loops of each stitch across. Do not turn. (30 sts)

Finishing

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail long enough to weave in, and pull the tail through the loop on your hook. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle. Weave it through several stitches on the edge, then change direction and pass through a few more stitches so it stays secure. Repeat with the starting tail. Trim the ends close without cutting into the fabric. Wet-block or wash the cloth, then lay it flat and gently square the edges.

Care & Washing Instructions

Wash cotton in warm water, up to 40°C (104°F), with similar colors; follow the yarn label if it gives a lower limit.
Dry flat or tumble dry on low heat, since high heat can shrink cotton.
While damp, reshape the cloth by easing its corners and sides into a square; pin it only if needed.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your turning chains loose. Tight chains can pull in the row ends and make the cloth narrower at the top or bottom.
Count 30 stitches at the end of every row. Place a marker in the first stitch if you tend to miss the edge stitch; do not work into the turning chain.
When weaving in ends, change direction once or twice through the edge stitches. A short straight pass may loosen with repeated washing.
For a larger cloth, add stitches in your foundation chain and add rows to match. Each additional foundation chain adds about ¼ inch of width at the stated gauge; extra rows use more yarn and increase the length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?

You can, but acrylic is less absorbent and may not work as well for wiping dishes. Choose a smooth, washable yarn and expect the cloth’s size and feel to differ from the cotton version.

How can I make the dishcloth smaller or larger?

For a narrower or wider cloth, change the foundation chain while keeping an even tension. For a shorter or longer cloth, work fewer or more rows. Check the fabric against the desired measurements as you go, since a size change also affects yarn use.

Is this pattern suitable for a first crochet project?

Yes, if you can make a chain and single crochet. The main new technique is working through the back loop on alternate rows. Count the stitches at the row ends so the sides stay straight.

Can I sell dishcloths made from this pattern?

Check the designer’s terms before selling finished items, and follow any credit or sales conditions they specify. Use your own photos and listing text, and do not claim the pattern itself as your design.

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Your finished heart is a small, cheerful piece you can carry on your keys or tuck onto a gift bag. For a simple variation, use two contrasting colors, or choose a slightly thicker cotton yarn for a fuller heart and check that your hook still makes firm stitches. A second heart in a favorite color makes a thoughtful matching gift. When yours is finished, share a photo on Pinterest or social media so other crocheters can see your color choices and key ring details. If you enjoyed this quick make, explore more free crochet patterns on the blog for practical projects, handmade gifts, and small ways to use leftover yarn.